DENVER -- Former UND offensive lineman Chris Kuper is sticking with the team who drafted him.
Kuper, a Denver Broncos fifth-round draft pick in 2006, signed a six-year contract with the team on Friday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal was worth $29 million.
"We are extremely excited about the extension of Chris Kuper's contract and the fact that he will be a Bronco for a long time," Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said in a release. "He exemplifies the qualities that we look for in our players both on and off the field. We look forward to his continued leadership and toughness in our efforts to build a championship-caliber team."
Kuper played in one game with Denver in 2006 and was limited to a special teams role for the first five games of 2007. Kuper then went on to start the next 27 games at guard.
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He now has started 42 career games, allowing just five sacks in that span. In 2008, he was the only startin guard in the NFL who did not allow a single sack.
"The fact that the Broncos are putting this much trust in me is an incredible feeling," Kuper said. "It is a dream come true."
Kuper, 27, is an Anchorage, Alaska, native.
"This is where I wanted to be because I feel like this team is headed in the right direction, and my family is excited that we can stay here and be a part of it," Kuper said. "I really hope that at some point I can say that I finished my career as a Bronco and won a couple of Super Bowls here, too."
